Tantalizing warmth and luxurious complexity of Abbey-styled Jersey brew attributed to perfume-like yeast residue, sinewy prune texture, buttery malt sustenance and black-peppered herbage. Flowery dry hops dart through ancillary plum-ripened sweetness, fig-spiced cherry dalliance, vinous sherry perk and peachy nectar niche. Only possible drawback is ester-y citric sourness could be off-putting.
All posts by John Fortunato
(HEAVYWEIGHT) BALTUS O.V.S. ALE
High-octane 8.2% alcohol volume hidden in muddled barleywine-influenced malt sinew. Mild creamy prune frontage and brown-sugared cocoa powdering lean towards brown ale category ’til banana sweetness adds slender backdrop to orange-soured raisin-fig undertones. Less aggressive than stronger Euro-styled ales.
(HEATHER) KELPIE SEAWEED ALE
Interestingly diversified brown-hued dry ale brewed with seaweed and bree nicely diverts auxiliary smoked ‘rauch’ beer essence. Toasted mocha malting, cocoa-powdered tobacco dryness and vegetal earthiness converge at roasted coffee bean finish. Would’ve been more idiomatic if salted seaweed was more noticeable.
(HEATHER) FRAOCH HEATHER ALE
Rarified pint-bottled light blonde counters soft Scotch malt pungency with tart citrus wining and uniquely antiquated floral heather adjunct. Betwixt honey-glazed orange tang, distant spearmint afterglow, and chintzy herbal tinge soften delicate midst. Fizzy, soft, lacking creaminess, but heather tether sets it apart from most (if not all) Scottish, English, or Irish brews.
(HEATHER) EBULUM ELDERBERRY BLACK ALE
Whimsical peculiarities disturb weird elderberry-spiced concoction. Faded white ale aroma and gentle juniper-hopped mouthfeel lure unbalanced ginger, mint, and eucalyptus confluence, battling back funky mocha-dried black licorice undertones. Misplaced adjuncts all over the place, but ultimately cherry oak timbre affects ashy oats finish positively.
(HEATHER) ALBA SCOTS PINE ALE
Ashen spruce and burnt pine positively influence tawny triple ale. At midst, dry mocha bitterness overrides sweet malt extract to nutty bottom. Well-integrated and alcohol-laden, but stale Band-Aid mouthfeel and hop-smoked grain finish get staid.
HEARTLAND RED ROOSTER ALE
Rising bubbles cascade to top of beige-headed tawny-bodied dark amber. Wood-burnt cereal-grained caramel roast and passing fruit hints counter macadamia nuttiness to moderate chocolate-cocoa bitterness.
HEARTLAND SMILING PUMPKIN ALE
Mildly spiced wheat-husked October brew segues lightly hopped bittersweet pumpkin pie opening to sweet nutmeg-coriander midst. Tangy citrus finish sours quickly.
HEARTLAND INDIAN RIVER LIGHT
Here’s a refreshing change of pace, a light beer with up-front seasoning. Clove, coriander, and allspice enrich banana-peeled floral bouquet (blossom, rosebud, and hemp). Despite being undermined by ‘light’ labeling, soft orange undertones and mild cereal graining add to its enormous potential.
HEARTLAND HARVEST WHEAT BEER
Moderately bitter straw-hued autumnal harvester exudes freshly cut wheat chaff palate and mowed grass backdrop, finishing soapier and flatter than most in its class. Though lacking richness, tangy orange rind spell woos subdued grassy hop wisp. Serve with lemon wedge. Mix with pineapple juice for ‘Maui Wowie.’
HEARTLAND GRAND CRU
Increasingly tart Belgian knockoff links soured banana-plantain opening to medicinal cherry coughdrop midst, where tangy tangerine, pear, and white grape fruiting gets casually spotted.
HEARTLAND FARMER JON’S OATMEAL STOUT
Creamy black chocolate-espresso frontage never thickens, but charred hops and toasted grains forge lusty bitterness overriding murmured black cherry tang.